Minister okays Malaba council to develop park yards

Dec 13, 2011

Local government minister Adolf Mwesige has advised Malaba town council to enter into a partnership with private companies to develop trailer parking yards to increase their revenue base as mandated by the Local Government Act.

By Faustine Odeke   

Local government minister Adolf Mwesige has advised Malaba town council to enter into a partnership with private companies to develop trailer parking yards to increase their revenue base as mandated by the Local Government Act.

In his letter dated November 3 to the council chairman George Alfred Obore, Mwesige said the council should develop parking yards to alleviate the prevailing traffic congestion as well as improving the revenue collections from the parking fees.

Mwesige was responding to the request by Obore seeking permission from the ministry to allow the council enter into partnership with Shampco Africa Limited to develop and manage trucks parking facility at Malaba.

“The initiative by the Malaba town council is plausible since the outcome will enhance revenue to the council which will contribute to improved service delivery and the money will contribute to the social economic benefit for council and the communities in general,” Mwesige said.

He said the Uganda revenue authority (URA) should be allowed to collect the fees inside their customs parking yard but should pay property rate to the council. Earlier URA won a court case against the council over parking fees collection in the customs yard.

He advised the council to adhere to procurement procedures as stipulated by the public procurement and disposal of assets (PPDA) Act in procuring Shampco Africa limited adding that the council should establish a reserve price before collections begin and always revise the price on an annual basis.

“I wish to thank you for this good initiative to boost the local revenue for your council and encourage you to take it up with the relevant authorities for smooth implementation of the partnership,” Mwesige said.

Obore said Malaba town council that was established in 2005 has had a big challenge of limited funds for efficient service delivery especially collection of the garbage and opening and maintaining of the roads. 

The director of Shampco Africa Limited Sanjay Tanna said the construction work on the over 10 acre land next to URA check point has already commenced.

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